TOKYO, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed slightly higher Monday as U.S. President Joe Biden's vaccination pledge raised hopes for the recovery of the pandemic-hit economy, along with data showing that U.S. consumer sentiment had improved in March.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 49.14 points, or 0.17 percent, from Friday at 29,766.97.

The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, meanwhile, finished 17.67 points, or 0.91 percent, higher at 1,968.73.

Gainers were led by marine transportation, air transportation and bank-oriented issues.